22 tips for a more sustainable life Energy efďŹ cient light bulbs? Check. Recycling bins for all reusable products? Check. We all know the basics for reducing our carbon footprints, but even the most eco-conscious among us can sometimes overlook simple ways to go green. The following are some suggestions for reducing your energy usage that you may not have thought of. While most of these tips won't leave your wallet any lighter, the few that do require an investment will pay for themselves in no time with the money you'll save on your energy bills. — Emily Faeth Make sure you unplug ALL electrical devices when they're not in use. That cell phone charger may look innocent, but as long as it's plugged into an outlet, it's still sucking up energy. Support local food! Not only are you lending a hand to area producers, you're also reducing the amount of energy it takes to get your dinner to your table. Turn down your water heater and central heating systems by just 1-2 degrees. If you don't have access to these, just ask your landlord to lend you a hand.You'll be amazed at how much energy you'll save, and you probably won't even notice the temperature difference. Only fill your tea kettle with as much water as you'll be needing. You'll reduce the amount of heat needed to boil your brew. Defrost your fridge/freezer on a regular basis to maintain top efficiency.
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Don't buy bottled water! The tap water in La Crosse is just fine, and you can make your friends jealous with your trendy bottle. Word on the street is aluminum bottles are the safest, as they don't contain the chemicals some plastic styles have. If you're lucky enough to have a washing machine or a dishwasher, only use them if you have a full load. Smaller items and loads can be washed by hand. Harness the energy of the sun and install a clothesline in your yard (or even in your apartment!) instead of using a dryer. If you've got the cash, replace your old refrigerator, freezer or other appliances with ones that carry an "A" energy rating. Investigate cavity wall insulation. It can be initially pricey, but it can save you up to $350 every year on your heating bills. Plus, you may even be eligible for a government grant to help cover the cost.
Make your home as "tree free" a possible: replace paper towels with cloth ones, don't use paper cups or plates, purchase bleach-free toilet paper and don't print unnecessary documents. Check out ecofuture.org/jnkmail.html and sign up to stop receiving annoying junk mail. Switch to reusable items as much as possible: those disposable razors, diapers, etc., just end up in landfills. Become karmically blessed and donate your old, gently used items to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity Restore, the Salvation Army or even just your friends. While you're there, check out what they've got to offer you! Reduce the waste you produce as much as possible. When purchasing items, avoid individually wrapped foods and look for items packaged in biodegradable or recyclable containers. Empty out the trunk of your car and always make sure your tires are properly inflated. Every gallon of gas you save drops 25 pounds off your carbon footprint. Look for coffee that is "shade-grown." Coffee grown in this manner saves the habitats of endangered birds and, thus, helps the earth as a whole.
It's obvious, but leave your A/C off if you're not going to be home. It may suck to walk into a sweltering house, but it only takes a few minutes to cool your abode, and you'll save money, too. It's summer, so break out the rollerblades, bike or whatever your mode of choice is.You'll be working on your hot bod and saving the planet at the same time. Always wash your clothes in cold water. The heat is pretty much unnecessary and your clothes will get just as clean. Go minimalist! The less you have, the less you'll be compelled to buy, and the less waste you'll produce. You'll thank yourself the next time you have to move. When you're out hiking, bring a bag and chuck the garbage you find. Your friends will admire your gumption.
Check out:
zerowasteamerica.org for information on how to become a "Zero Waste Activist".
July 17, 2008